Who's No. 3? That's really the big question going into Week 4 of the 2013 NFL season. Everyone knows Seattle-Denver is the devastating 1-2 punch at the top of the league.

The third spot, however, becomes more interesting. Two teams that continue to rise are Drew Brees' Saints and Jay Cutler's Bears. With big matchups this week before a showdown in Chicago, one of those teams has a chance to make another big move. For now, however, a more familiar powerhouse is holding its ground.

Why they're here: Sporting News' Super Bowl pick leads the league in scoring defense and passing defense after three games. They also are fourth in scoring offense.

How they move down: It would take a big upset, because they'll be favored pretty much the rest of way except for the game at San Francisco in Week 14.

What's next: at Houston, to face the best of the AFC South.

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Denver Broncos (3-0)

Last week: 2

Why they're here: The Peyton Manning Express keeps rolling. It's gotten to a point where because of what he does, it doesn't matter what the defense does.
How they move up: It will take a Seattle slip-up, because there's no reason to think the Broncos will slow down until a Week 9 bye.
How they move down: Get too leaky with that defense. There are some offenses coming up (see Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins) who can steal a shootout from them if they're not careful.

Why they're here: We knew Drew Brees and the offense would find another gear with Sean Payton back and Jimmy Graham healthy, but major props to Rob Ryan's attacking 3-4 working so well so quickly for their defense.

How they move up: They get back-to-back tests against fellow surprise undefeated teams, Miami and Chicago, so there it is in front of them.

How they move down: By not finding a little more juice in their running game to provide that needed balance.

What's next: vs. Miami, in what should be a rocking Superdome on Monday night.

Why they're here: We thought they would turn the tables on the Colts physically after getting pounded by the Seahawks. Instead, they were overwhelmed up front again, and Colin Kaepernick remains mired in a slump.

How they move up: Put up a convincing 49ers-like victory, and do it by dominating with their running game again.

How they move down: Kaepernick stays out of sync. He could really use Vernon Davis back in the lineup.

What's next: at St. Louis, where they will try to avenge a 2012 loss on Thursday night.

Why they're here: The Ravens showed champion's spirit by taking care of the Texans at home. They did it with the running game, special teams and a defense that has been really good when not facing Peyton Manning.

How they move up: It will take a bit for the Ravens to crack the top half dozen, but teams ahead of them are bound to lose soon, and their schedule isn't as hard as it once appeared.

How they move down: Struggle with more of the lesser teams, as they did with the Browns in Week 2.

What's next: at Buffalo, with a chance for another strong defensive effort vs. a rookie QB.

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Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)

Last week: 11

Why they're here: The young Bengals followed up a thrashing of the Steelers with a statement home win against the mighty Packers. It may have helped them turn the corner as a complete contender.

How they move up: The Bengals don't have many weaknesses, besides their youth. It's now time to get on a roll and prove they've gone from a rising wild card to a real AFC threat.

How they move down: If they don't finish games like they did against Green Bay. See Week 1 at Chicago.

What's next: at Cleveland, against the nothing-to-lose Browns in the Battle of Ohio.

Why they're here: The Chiefs keep unleashing a swarming defense that gets to opponents on all three levels. They're balancing that with steady play from Alex Smith and explosive play from Jamaal Charles.

How they move up: Keep rolling through a soft schedule until they need to face Denver twice in the span of three weeks in November and December.

How they move down: Get too complacent and not let Alex Smith loose when needed.

Last week: 19Why they're here: The Lions held off the Redskins in an expected shootout, and Matt Stafford has come out early earning his contract.
How they move up: Knock off their top division competition, Chicago and Green Bay, in the next two games.
How they move down: Revert to undisciplined play and struggles in close ones (see Arizona in Week 2).

What's next: vs. Chicago, a huge chance at home to establish early control of the division.

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Tennessee Titans (2-1)

Last week: 22

Why they're here: Jake Locker. The Titans had been hiding their quarterback a bit early, relying on the revamped defense under Gregg Williams and a run-heavy approach. Then they unleashed all of Locker's versatile skills to upend San Diego.

How they move up: Go all in on Locker. See everything he's got, and they just might believe again.
How they move down: Go back to more conservative play. Aggressiveness has added up to their surprise.

What's next: vs. Jets, with a good chance to stay right in the thick of the AFC South race.

Why they're here: Their defense has been shockingly bad, considering their hardnosed talent everywhere and the presence of Jeff Fisher. It's also clear their pass protection isn't as good as it looked over the first two games.

How they move up: They've got to win shootouts. They have the added firepower to help them do it, but they probably didn't anticipate they couldn't stop anyone at this rate.

How they move down: Make Sam Bradford one-dimensional in the offense.

What's next: vs. San Francisco, when they'll see if they can thrive against the division's top teams again.

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Carolina Panthers (1-2)

Last week: 27

Why they're here: The real Cam Newton has finally arrived, thanks to more dynamic play-calling for him in desperation mode.

How they move up: Figure out how to keep Newton hot during the bye week.

How they move down: Struggle with teams they should beat in back-to-back road games (Arizona, Minnesota).

What's next: at Cardinals, where Newton made his sparkling NFL debut as a rookie.

Why they're here: Pick something. No pass rush. No pass protection. No run blocking. Add too many penalties and even more turnovers. The unprecedented lack of discipline for a Tom Coughlin team is disturbing.

How they move up: Win a game, somehow, someway, and that requires more fire from Eli Manning.
How they move down: If they can't rediscover their old identity before it's Week 6 and then it's too late for good.

What's next: at Kansas City, a team against which they match up poorly.

Last week: 28Why they're here: Rex Ryan. Geno Smith has come through for him as a rookie, and now we're seeing the running game and receivers giving him a lot of help. Ryan has been great motivating early, and he's been even better operating the defense.

How they move up: Keep pulling out close games. Their defense is going to keep them tight with most opponents.
How they move down: If they give Smith too much to do and let it overwhelm him. The interceptions will catch up to him.

What's next: vs. Titans, in another winnable game for what we thought was a lost team.

Last week: 24Why they're here: Ben Roethlisberger is trying to save the day with his big pass plays, but they haven't been able to run or protect him, and the mistakes are outweighing the good.

How they move up: Forget about the first three weeks and work to get on track overseas against another winless team. They're in uncharted waters with Mike Tomlin. It does help Le'Veon Bell can boost their running game.

How they move down: Get confused and struggle against Minnesota's Tampa 2 in Week 4.

How they move up: Give Palmer more help, whether it be with more high-percentage action to running backs or additional protection with different formations.

How they move down: Try to go forward without balance and keep putting their defense in tough situations.

What's next: at Tampa Bay, against a passing game that's struggling a whole lot more.

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Buffalo Bills (1-2)

Last week: 26

Why they're here: They wanted to be a heavy-running team. But they're too much of an average running team, and opponents have ganged up on them. Now their most explosive option, C.J. Spiller, is hurting.

How they move up: Take the reins off EJ Manuel a bit. They are doing a good job of avoiding turnovers, but Manuel was beaten by the Jets because Geno Smith was a little more fearless in going after the long passes, and executed them, too.

How they move down: If they can't start getting push and run the ball better, they will keep sinking.

Why they're here: The Browns are dangerous because it's clear they have already gone into "nothing to lose" mode following the trade of Trent Richardson. They are all in with taking shots and calling trick plays.

How they move up: Consider the Browns needed every one of their calculated chances to pay off in Minnesota to pull off their first win. They can't afford to hold back anymore.

How they move down: Let the risks turn more into rewards for the other team.

Why they're here: Terrelle Pryor has made them more competitive, but they just are short on talent around the quarterback, and their defense is even shorter beyond Lamar Houston and Charles Woodson.
How they move up: Hope that Pryor is healthy and can keep sparking them post-concussion.

How they move down: Have to hope that Matt Flynn can somehow give their offense better life.

What's next: vs. Washington, welcoming RG3 less than a week after Peyton Manning.